The FCC Spectrum Auction
Results of the FCC spectrum auction were released in April 2017, with dozens of public media licensees earning close to $2 billion by selling their spectrum for use by wireless companies. The aftermath is still playing out, with many TV and radio stations required to move to new spectrum, and some TV stations that sold spectrum seeking to stay on the air through channel-sharing deals. Stay up to date with our ongoing coverage.
Lawmakers hear that pubcasters need additional $50M for auction repack
The financial risk from repack work “is almost existential” to public broadcasting, APTS President Pat Butler said.Tampa’s WEDU picking up new channels and programs as WUSF-TV nears shutdown
WEDU is asking viewers to provide feedback on programming changes.Push for local news fund continues as New Jersey takes majority of auction proceeds
New Jersey set aside just $10 million of its $332 million in spectrum proceeds for broadcasting.State of New Jersey takes all but $10M of spectrum auction proceeds
The proceeds for spectrum used by WNJN and WNJT added up to the largest payout to any public broadcaster.Spectrum repack expenses top $1.75 billion fund
The $2.1 billion total includes $336.6 million requested by 148 public broadcasters.Spectrum auction proceeds will back reboot of Native TV network
First Nations Experience will become a beneficiary of auction proceeds through parent station KVCR in San Bernardino, Calif.Philadelphia TV station will become grantmaker with spectrum auction winnings
The foundation formed from WYBE plans to share its proceeds with other Philadelphia-area nonprofits.N.J. bill proposes using spectrum auction cash for news consortium
If passed, the law would funnel $100 million of the state's $332 million to a journalism partnership.In aftermath of spectrum auction, even stations that sat out could still benefit
Public broadcasters can still explore channel-sharing options, take advantage of equipment upgrades and plan an investment fund that would help the entire ...At town hall meeting, Va. pubcaster shares plans for spectrum auction millions
Commonwealth Public Broadcasting Corp. will invest the $182 million in expanded community service and a foundation to “promote public media.”
Current is an editorially independent, nonprofit service of the American University School of Communication. We're funded by your subscriptions, your donations, advertising, and a generous grant from the Wyncote Foundation.